Wessbecher Glacier
Encyclopedia
Wessbecher Glacier is a glacier
about 7 nautical miles (13 km) long, draining south between Wilson and Marze Peaks at the south end of the Sentinel Range
, Ellsworth Mountains
. First mapped by United States Geological Survey
(USGS) from surveys and U.S. Navy air photos, 1957-59. Named by Advisory Committee on Antarctic Names
(US-ACAN) for Howard O. Wessbecher, a member of the winter party at McMurdo Sound
, 1956, who was representative (assisting in logistical preparations) for the establishing of the South Pole Station.
Glacier
A glacier is a large persistent body of ice that forms where the accumulation of snow exceeds its ablation over many years, often centuries. At least 0.1 km² in area and 50 m thick, but often much larger, a glacier slowly deforms and flows due to stresses induced by its weight...
about 7 nautical miles (13 km) long, draining south between Wilson and Marze Peaks at the south end of the Sentinel Range
Sentinel Range
The Sentinel Range is a major mountain range situated northward of Minnesota Glacier and forming the northern half of the Ellsworth Mountains in Antarctica. The range trends NNW-SSE for about and is 24 to 48 km wide...
, Ellsworth Mountains
Ellsworth Mountains
The Ellsworth Mountains are the highest mountain ranges in Antarctica, forming a long and wide chain of mountains in a north to south configuration on the western margin of the Ronne Ice Shelf. They are bisected by Minnesota Glacier to form the northern Sentinel Range and the southern Heritage...
. First mapped by United States Geological Survey
United States Geological Survey
The United States Geological Survey is a scientific agency of the United States government. The scientists of the USGS study the landscape of the United States, its natural resources, and the natural hazards that threaten it. The organization has four major science disciplines, concerning biology,...
(USGS) from surveys and U.S. Navy air photos, 1957-59. Named by Advisory Committee on Antarctic Names
Advisory Committee on Antarctic Names
The Advisory Committee on Antarctic Names is an advisory committee of the United States Board on Geographic Names responsible for recommending names for features in Antarctica...
(US-ACAN) for Howard O. Wessbecher, a member of the winter party at McMurdo Sound
McMurdo Sound
The ice-clogged waters of Antarctica's McMurdo Sound extend about 55 km long and wide. The sound opens into the Ross Sea to the north. The Royal Society Range rises from sea level to 13,205 feet on the western shoreline. The nearby McMurdo Ice Shelf scribes McMurdo Sound's southern boundary...
, 1956, who was representative (assisting in logistical preparations) for the establishing of the South Pole Station.